LEGISLATIVE SNAPSHOT

Libraries

Montana’s libraries support education, employment, entrepreneurship and lifelong engagement

Highlights

  • Montana’s public libraries hold 4,465,788 items.
  • Montanans visited their public libraries an average of 4.5 times throughout the year, for a total of 4,655,040 visits in 2013.
  • MontanaLibrary2Go (statewide e-book collection) had an annual circulation of of 470,030.
  • Montana library patrons checked out 6,257,814 items in 2013, over 6 items per capita.
  • Librarians in Montana’s public libraries fielded 507,416 reference questions in 2013, or 9,758 questions per week.
  • The Talking Book Library mail-delivered circulation averages over 213,000 annually; digital downloads average 17,500 annually.
  • I00% of all Montana libraries provide Internet access to patrons.
  • Nearly half of all Montanans (482,214) have a library card.

Featured Maps

Public Libraries Increased Appropriation

The appropriation for state aid to libraries increased from $102,830 in FY2013 to $395,766 for FY’s 2014-2017. These dollars directly benefit Montana communities. For example:

  • We are now proctoring exams for college students, having health care navigators come and sign people up for health insurance and have our kids learning about computer programming. - Boulder Community Library
  • After reorganizing post-retirement staff duties, we were able to upgrade a staff position from a library assistant to a Professional Librarian. We hired a Programming and Outreach Librarian in December 2013. - ImagineIF Kalispell
  • The book club sets ...ensure that the cost of buying a new book each month will not deter a student from participating. - Joliet Public Library
  • Our most important accomplishment was the creation and success of our Youth Garden Club. - North Valley Public Library

Montana Public Libraries and Branches

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Libraries by Type

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Statewide
AcademicBookmobilesBranchesInstitutionalOtherPublicSchoolSpecialTotal
MT
27
5
35
2
3
82
564
57
775
Selected Senate/House Districts
All Senate/House Districts

Note: The number of libraries per district is calculated based on a count of libraries within 10 miles of the district’s boundary.

Public Library Statistics Statewide Library Performance Indicators

For additional information, visit the Public Library Statistics Statewide Library Performance Indicators section of the Montana State Library website.

Page History

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